Says Anil, "We have been close friends for over 20 years and now we are neighbours too - Photogallery

Says Anil, "We have been close friends for over 20 years and now we are neighbours too. But I didn't want to take advantage of our friendship. So, I was hesitating to ask Anupam to be a part of the show. But my team kept coaxing me to because it was a role that needed an actor of stature. One day I just asked him and he said, 'Of course, I'll do it. Even if I have to just stand in a scene, I would do it for your sake'. And guess what? The day he returned to India after attending the Oscars, he came straight for the shoot in the evening that went on till morning."(Pic: Viral Bhayani)

Says Anil, "We have been close friends for over 20 years and now we are neighbours too. But I didn't want to take advantage of our friendship. So, I was hesitating to ask Anupam to be a part of the show. But my team kept coaxing me to because it was a role that needed an actor of stature. One day I just asked him and he said, 'Of course, I'll do it. Even if I have to just stand in a scene, I would do it for your sake'. And guess what? The day he returned to India after attending the Oscars, he came straight for the shoot in the evening that went on till morning."(Pic: Viral Bhayani)

Anupam, who plays a RAW officer in the show, is happy to see his friend make a magnum opus like 24. He says, "Anil asked me and I said yes. I always believe in doing things that are closest to my heart. And, I enjoyed doing this show very much."

Anupam, who plays a RAW officer in the show, is happy to see his friend make a magnum opus like 24. He says, "Anil asked me and I said yes. I always believe in doing things that are closest to my heart. And, I enjoyed doing this show very much."(Pic: Viral Bhayani)

Anupam, who plays a RAW officer in the show, is happy to see his friend make a magnum opus like 24. He says, "Anil asked me and I said yes. I always believe in doing things that are closest to my heart. And, I enjoyed doing this show very much."(Pic: Viral Bhayani)

Anupam has hosted a show on the small screen before, but this is the first time he will be seen in a TV series after his telefilm Daddy (1991) - Photogallery

Anupam has hosted a show on the small screen before, but this is the first time he will be seen in a TV series after his telefilm Daddy (1991). So what does he think about television vis-a-vis Bollywood? "For me, it's the work which is important, the medium doesn't matter. Television is an interesting medium where the remote is in the hands of your viewer and for him to not switch to another channel, you have to be superb. That's the challenge. Also, abroad you have top film stars doing cameos in popular TV shows unlike here, where you have them come on TV only at the time of the release. But that will change soon," says Anupam.(Pic: Viral Bhayani)

Anupam has hosted a show on the small screen before, but this is the first time he will be seen in a TV series after his telefilm Daddy (1991). So what does he think about television vis-a-vis Bollywood? "For me, it's the work which is important, the medium doesn't matter. Television is an interesting medium where the remote is in the hands of your viewer and for him to not switch to another channel, you have to be superb. That's the challenge. Also, abroad you have top film stars doing cameos in popular TV shows unlike here, where you have them come on TV only at the time of the release. But that will change soon," says Anupam.(Pic: Viral Bhayani)

Manisha Sharma, Weekend Head of the channel, told TOI, "It is an honour to have an actor like Anupam Kher. With his international appeal and industry experience, he will be able to do complete justice to such a pivotal role in the show."

Manisha Sharma, Weekend Head of the channel, told TOI, "It is an honour to have an actor like Anupam Kher. With his international appeal and industry experience, he will be able to do complete justice to such a pivotal role in the show." (BCCL)

Manisha Sharma, Weekend Head of the channel, told TOI, "It is an honour to have an actor like Anupam Kher. With his international appeal and industry experience, he will be able to do complete justice to such a pivotal role in the show." (BCCL)

In 24, Anil Kapoor will play Jack Bauer, essayed by Kiefer Sutherland internationally. The story has been adapted to Indian context and Jack Bauer will be named Jai Singh Rathod, keeping the nuances of his character in mind.

In 24, Anil Kapoor will play Jack Bauer, essayed by Kiefer Sutherland internationally. The story has been adapted to Indian context and Jack Bauer will be named Jai Singh Rathod, keeping the nuances of his character in mind. (Pic: Viral Bhayani)

In 24, Anil Kapoor will play Jack Bauer, essayed by Kiefer Sutherland internationally. The story has been adapted to Indian context and Jack Bauer will be named Jai Singh Rathod, keeping the nuances of his character in mind. (Pic: Viral Bhayani)